15 Health & Fitness Gifts Under $50

It’s that time of the year again. We all are scrambling looking for meaningful gifts for our loved ones. What better way to show them that you care about them than by getting them a gift that would enhance their overall well being? Or maybe you’re looking to get a nice gift yourself.

The best part of this guide is that all gifts are under $50. Heck, you can even get three items on this list. You’ll find a gift for just about anyone, for the person that enjoys working out at home, to that friend that lives in the gym.

#1 Magic Bullet Blender- $40

One of the best things you can do to support fat loss and muscle growth is by having a protein smoothie as soon as you get up. You can literally whip one up in less than five minutes, perfect for people that are rushing in the morning. Unlike big and bulky blenders, the [easyazon_link identifier=”B012T634SM” locale=”US” nw=”y” nf=”n” tag=”jualugfit-20″ cart=”n” cloak=”y” popups=”n”]Magic Bullet[/easyazon_link] is small and light. If you need help picking out the right type of protein powder check out this post I did a while back to learn how to pick the right one for you.

#2 Jump Rope from Master of Muscle- $11

I like to tell my clients that jump roping is extremely underrated. You don’t need a lot of space, you can do it anywhere and it can really make your heart work hard in a short period of time. I think most people don’t jump rope because they think it’s too difficult. And they are right, it is. But their goal should not be to jump rope effectively or with style. First they should let the rope go underneath them a few times, even if they have to do a double hop in the middle. Once they get the hang of it then they should worry about cleaning up their technique. This jump rope also comes with a lifetime warranty and amazing customer service.

#3 Onnit Steel Maces $28- $40

If you haven’t seen these steel beauties yet then allow me to introduce them to you. Maces, like kettlebells, offer a myriad of functional movements that require strength, flexibility, stability, endurance and rotational power. Maces have been used in battlegrounds since the time of the Persian empire. We won’t be bashing anyone’s head with them though. Check out how these guys at Onnit Academy are using them:

You can start with the 7 pounder or the 10 pounder. I would recommend starting with 7 lbs so you can perform most of the movements. Don’t let the 7 lbs fool you, it can become a real challenge just with the simplest of exercises. One truly unique benefit is the ability to play around with the resistance of the mace by simply placing your hand closer to the end of handle.

#4 Moov Fitness Tracker- $40

There are tons of fitness trackers out there but what makes the [easyazon_link identifier=”B00MV96GO2″ locale=”US” tag=”jualugfit-20″ popups=”n”]Moov[/easyazon_link] unique is it’s coaching ability. That’s right, it can give you real time coaching while you run, cycle, walk, box and even while you do certain bodyweight movements. You can also use it while you swim but you won’t receive real time coaching underwater. Besides coaching you real time, it will also provide you with a report after you have finished training, telling you how you performed.

The app connects via bluetooth and it’s available in the Apple app store and in the Google Play Store. The app will speak over your music to provide feedback as well. You can place it on your wrist or on your ankle. What’s particularly cool about this gadget in my opinion, is that it represents the future of fitness wearables with AI coaching.

#5 TaoTronics Bluetooth Earphones- $26

If you’re constantly moving around in your workouts or if you listen to music while you run then you probably have experienced some frustration with your earphones getting in the way. The [easyazon_link identifier=”B00RSUFT5G” locale=”US” tag=”jualugfit-20″ popups=”n”]TaoTronics Bluetooth Earphones[/easyazon_link] connects wirelessly through your Bluetooth. You can skip tracks via the earbuds and even answer calls. They also come with a loop that you place over your ear that prevent the earbuds from falling. It has an audio range of about 33 ft with about 5 hours of play time.

#6 Kettlebells- $37

I could not make this guide without including kettlebells. A kettlebell basically looks like a cannonball with a handle. Like the jump rope, you don’t need a lot of space for them.You can use it for conditioning, power and strength. There’s literally endless ways to use them. A [easyazon_link identifier=”B00I6CRLLA” locale=”US” tag=”jualugfit-20″ popups=”n”]kettlebell[/easyazon_link] is basically a home-gym molded into a cast iron ball. That’s quite the endorsement huh?

Most movements done with kettlebells requires skill and attention to detail. You simply just can’t pick one up and start moving it around because you will probably get hurt. If you are absolutely new to kettlebells I invite you to take my introduction to kettlebell course for the discounted price of $13 on Udemy.com (with this price you won’t go over the guide’s $50)!

#7 Abdominal Mat from Nayoya- $19

Doing crunches on the floor is so 1983, ok fine maybe 1999. The biggest benefit this ab mat offers is that it provides support for the curvature of your lower back. What most people don’t realize is that performing sit ups also requires effort from the hip flexors. Using an [easyazon_link identifier=”B00BBLDN56″ locale=”US” tag=”jualugfit-20″ popups=”n”]ab mat[/easyazon_link] can lessen the involvement of the hip flexors and put more stress on our abdominals, which is what we want. The best way to perform these sit ups in my opinion, is by bending the legs and flaring the knees out. Performing them slowly and concentrating on the tension is better than doing them fast. If you are looking for an advanced partner version that can be done with ab mat check out this tutorial I did a few months back.

#8 Compression Calf Sleeves- $30-50

Running is still a popular form of cardio for many people. Unfortunately there are many injuries associated with running due to poor running mechanics, wearing the wrong shoes and over training. If someone is an avid runner they should probably have a recovery strategy. Using [easyazon_link identifier=”B00591TOAW” locale=”US” tag=”jualugfit-20″ popups=”n”]compression calf sleeves[/easyazon_link] while you run can give your calves more support and stability. Some people have also found that they are even helpful when they are NOT running, someone that stands at work all day can surely have use for them as well.

#9 Foot Rubz- $5.49

Coming just underneath six dollars, the Foot Rubz is extremely useful. I’ve had one for the last couple of years. The bottom of the foot has close to 20 different muscles and they are rich with mechanoreceptors that are sensitive to touch, texture, pressure and even vibrations. When we are constantly wearing padded shoes we lose a lot of the contractibility, flexibility and awareness on our feet.

You simply place the [easyazon_link identifier=”B002QEY6NK” locale=”US” tag=”jualugfit-20″ popups=”n”]Foot Rubz[/easyazon_link] underneath your foot and gently apply pressure to the ball and work on areas that are tender and sore. I use it while on my computer desk or while i’m brushing my teeth. The Foot Rubz will help relieve tension and soreness.

How often do we take care of our feet this way? I am positive most people don’t. These are so cheap that you ought to get one for yourself and a loved one. Your feet will thank you.

#10 Garmin VivoFit Fitness Band- $49

The Garmin VivoFit is a fantastic fitness tracker for just under $50. It can display the time, monitor your sleep, count your steps and it can even tell you when it’s “time to move”. If you wish you can get the heart rate version that comes with a chest strap, this option will cost you an additional $30. I particularly don’t think the heart rate readings on fitness trackers are that accurate. I still believe wearing a chest strap with a heart rate monitor will give your more of an authentic reading.

The [easyazon_link identifier=”B00HFPOXM4″ locale=”US” tag=”jualugfit-20″ popups=”n”]Garmin VivoFit[/easyazon_link] has a Move Bar that indicates that you have been inactive for one hour. This feature is important because most people get fitness trackers to count their steps, but being aware of your inactivity throughout the day is just as important. Another feature worth mentioning is that you don’t need to recharge it. This is huge! It has battery life for up to one year.

#11 iGrill Mini- $34

Ever cooked yourself a nice chicken or steak to then place it on your dish only to realize it still needs to be cooked. If it hasn’t happened to you then my chef hat goes off to you. The iGrill mini comes with a probe that you stick into your meat. The probe connects to a small device that indicates the temperature of the meat and when it is ready. You download the companion app (iDevices), search for the type of meat that you are cooking and it will let you know when it’s ready. The app’s interface is quite intuitive, it indicates the current temperature and duration of the cooking session via a graph. The app connects through Bluetooth to the [easyazon_link identifier=”B00I25PGZO” locale=”US” nw=”y” tag=”jualugfit-20″ popups=”n”]iGrill mini[/easyazon_link]. You can place the probe on a pan or inside the oven.

#12 Fat Gripz- $40

[easyazon_link identifier=”B005FIS14Y” locale=”US” tag=”jualugfit-20″ popups=”n”]Fat Gripz[/easyazon_link] are attachments that you place over dumbbells or barbells to improve forearm and grip strength. When we think of progressing an exercise we usually think that simply adding more weight is the way to go. There’s tons of ways to make an individual exercise more difficult and in this case we are doing that by challenging our neural drive. Neural drive is the collection of nerves that signals muscle contractions.

Having a stronger grip can help you stay on the bar longer while you do your pull ups or deadlifts. Thick bar training is best with pulling and rowing movements. Performing pressing movements with them are not as beneficial as you are not challenging gravity in this scenario.

#13 Trigger Point GRID STK Handheld Foam Roller- $30

It’s easier to think of working out hard in terms of progress than it is to think of a recovery plan. Recovery can include a wide spectrum of habits and disciplines. Taking care of our muscles post workout allows us to heal faster so we can get back to training quicker. This is where the TP Grid STK comes in. Use the stick by gently rubbing it over sore muscles to increase blood circulation and to help release scar tissue.

Unlike foam rollers that are big and take up a lot of space, the TP GRID STK is very light and thus very portable. If you are constantly training on the road putting it in your gym bag could come in handy.

#14 Nayoya Gymnastic Rings- $25

Working out with rings requires total body stability. You can perform dips, rows, push ups and pull ups to name a few. And you don’t have to do all the fancy tricks in order to see results either. The benefits of training with rings can carry over to other foundational exercises such as the deadlift or bench press. The rings and straps are extremely durable and you can hang them up just about anywhere. For $25, this product is a steal.

#15 Reusable Furniture Movers- $10

You might be asking yourself why are there furniture movers on this list. Indeed, they are meant to move furniture around with ease but we won’t be using it that way. I have the [easyazon_link identifier=”B008D2LC6I” locale=”US” tag=”jualugfit-20″ cart=”n” popups=”n”]Valslides[/easyazon_link], these are the same thing but half the price. These furniture movers allows you to perform functional exercises that primarily target your core. You can do frictionless mountain climbers, different versions of push ups or pikes. Check out this video I did a while ago if you are looking for more ideas.

I hope I’ve made your shopping process this holiday season just a bit easier. If you know of any of other wonderful health and fitness gifts under $50 mention them in the comments below. Don’t forget to follow me on Facebook for other great tips and info. Happy Holidays!

Juan Lugo

Search for:

Monthly Donation

If you find any joy and value in the workouts and fitness guides I create, please consider becoming a long-term supporter with a recurring monthly donation of your choosing, between the amount of a cup of coffee and a healthy salad.

JLFITNESSMIAMI has and will remain ad-free. I want this space to be free from distractions and clutter.